Car-coupling device



June 22 7 1926.

J. C. WHITRIDGE CAR COUPLING DEVICE Filed July 8K 1924 Patented June 22, 1926.

UNITED "STATES PxrElvTA oFF-ICE.'

JOHN CLIFFORD WHITRIDGE, OF COLUMBUS, OHIO, ASSIGNOR T THE BUCKEYE STEEL CASTINGS COMPANY, 0F COLUMBUS, OHIO. Y' f j CAR-COUPLING DEVICE:

Application filed July 8,

This invention relates to improvements in car coupling devices and particularly to improved means for connecting a coupler of the automatic type with a coupler of the hook type. y

In accordance with the presentinvention, a removable pulling block is disposed in the mouth of the automatic coupler so that one end portion will engage behind the pivoted knuckle and so that the other end portion will engage in a socket in the guard arm, a chain being attached at one end to the block and at the other end to the pivot pin of the knuckle, and the connection between the two couplers comprises two connected links, one of which freely engages the hook coupler andthe other link freely embraces the pulling block in the mout-h ot the automatic coupler,-said pulling block having such contour that the link which embraces it will be guided properly to its seat and be prevented from displacement, and simple means are provided to support the connecting links and pulling block from the carend structure when not in use.

In the accompanying drawings,-

Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating the invention.

Figure 2 is a side view, and

Figure 3 is a view showing positions which the connecting links may assume when the hook coupler approaches the automatic coupler.

A portion of a car end structure is shown at 1 and through the same, the draw bar or shank of an automatic coupler head 2 passes,-the latter being of that type which employs a knuckle 3 pivotally connected with the head by a pivot pin 4, and a guard arm 5` at the opposite side of the head.

Vithin the mouth 6 of the automatic coupler, a pulling block 7 is located for the accommodation of a link 8 of the connecting means between the two couplers,- said connecting means also including an elongated link 9 connected with the link 8 at one end and adapted for connection at the other end with a hook coupler 10` on another car. The link 8 of the connecting means may be elliptical but the link 9 is somewhat tapering so .that the larger end of the opening therein will properly accommodate the hook coupler anld be freely movable relative to the same when said hook coupler approaches the automatic coup- 1924. serial No. 724,835.

led and the parts assume the positions shown in Figure 3.7* Ik l The pullingblock 7 is formed at one end with a tongue 141 which enters the intermediate recess` 1 2 in the free end portion ofthe pivoted knuckle 3. y Adjacent. to said tongue the pullin block is provided with enlargements 13 Iorming shoulders which are made to conform to the contour of and bear against the rear face of the pivoted knuckle. At its other end the pulling block is formed with an extension 15 which enters a recess or socket 16 in the guard arm of the automatic coupler head. The rear face of the intermediate portion of the pulling block is curved or de ressed so as to form a seat 17 with which t e rear end of the connecting link 8 may approximately conform when said link is caused to embrace the pulling block in the manner shown in Figure 1.

Vith the construction and arrangement above described in which only two links are employed in the connecting means between the two couplers, said links will move freely when the hook coupler approaches the automatic coupler and assume an Vintermediate position with the links disposed as shown in Figure 3, Without danger of jamming or binding.

To prevent the pulling block and connect.- ing links from being removed by unauthorized persons or lost, the pulling block is connected by means of a chain 18 with the lower projecting end of the pivot pin 4 of the` knuckle,-for which purpose a shackle 19 attached to said pivot pin receives one end of said chain and the other end of the latter is connected with a perforated lug or projection 2() on the vpulling block.

When the connecting means are not in use (as when two automatic couplers are employed) the connecting link and the pulling block may be suspended from a hook 21,-- the latter having an arm 22 riveted to the car end structure as clearly shown in Figure 2.

In order to prevent accidental escape of the pulling block from the link of the connecting means which engages it, said pulling block may be provided invproximity to the extension 15, with a flange 23.

Having fully described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Let-- ters-Patent, is: Y

1. The combination of a coupling head provided with a pivoted knuckle having a. recess and a guard arm having socket, a

pulling block having a tongue at one end to removably enter the recess in the pivoted knuckle and enlargements to engage behind the knuckle, said Vpulling block having a rearwardly odset` extension to freely and removably enter the socket in the guard arm, and having a depressed rear seat intermedi` ate ot' its ends, and a connection for a hook coupler, said connection including a link embracing the pulling block and engaging the saine in said depressed rear seat.

:2. The combination of a coupling head provided with a pivoted knuckle having a recess and a guard arm having socket, a

pulling block having a tongue at one end to removably enter the recess in the pivoted knuckle and enlargements to engage behind the knuckle, said pulling block having a rearwardly offset extension to freely and removably enter the socket in the guard arm, and having a depressed rear seat intermedi ate ot its ends, and a connection for a hook coupler, said connection including a link embracing the pulling block and engaging the same in said depressed rear seat, said pulling block also having a flange intermediate of said seat and said oliqsetextension.

In testimony Wiereof, I have signed this specification. Y

JOHN CLIFFORD VVHITRIDGE; 

